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Posts for category: Foot Care

Dry, cracked heels are not only unsightly, but they can also be a source of pain and embarrassment. When the fissures in your heel become so dry and cracked that they bleed and hurt when you walk, it’s time to seek professional care from your podiatrist. Left untreated, heel fissures can become so deep and painful that they lead to an infection.

Cracked heels are most commonly caused by splitting of the skin as a result of severe dryness or thickening of a callus on your heel. Severe cases of dry, cracked heels can occur for numerous reasons, including:

Cold winter weather or dry climates

Dehydration

Having diabetes

Scrubbing feet too harshly

Soaking in a hot bath or shower for too long or too frequently

Not moisturizing the feet

Increased weight

Walking barefoot or wearing open-backed sandals or shoes

Prolonged standing at work or home

Chronic skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis

Here are a few tips for keeping heels from cracking:

Moisturize your feet daily.

Avoid walking barefoot or wearing open-backed shoes.

Opt for mild soaps that won’t dry out your heels.

Increase your water intake to keep your body hydrated.

Limit time in the shower as hot water dries out the skin.

Use a pumice stone or file as directed by your doctor to gently decrease thick calluses.

When to Visit Our Office

Cracked heels may begin as an annoyance or simple cosmetic issue, but they can lead to pain and serious infection if not managed properly. Most cases of dry, cracked heels will get better with a little foot pampering or over-the-counter foot cream.

When your heels are severely cracked or painful and conservative treatments have proven ineffective, visit our office. People with diabetes are at an especially high risk for health problems, and should not wait to have dry feet cared for. Severely cracked heels need moisture to avoid pain, bleeding and infection. A podiatrist can work with you to relieve your cracked heels, and get you back on your feet again.

The summertime is a great time to show off your new sandals and allow your feet to breathe. But since the warmer months can be rough on your feet, it's important to give your feet a little extra care to keep them looking great and feeling healthy. Here are a few tips for keeping your feet in tip-top shape during the summer.

Keep feet clean

The best line of defense against fungal infections is proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes. Wash feet with soap and water daily, and dry them thoroughly to prevent infection. Wear shower shoes in public places, like pools and locker rooms. And to prevent ingrown nails and toenail fungus, keep toenails trimmed straight across.

Avoid walking barefoot

Walking outside in the summertime without shoes increases the risk of injury and infection. You never know what’s sitting out on the beach, and the last thing you want is to unexpectedly step on a sharp rock or piece of debris and cut your foot.

Protect feet from the sun

Wearing sunscreen is extremely important in the summertime - and that means lathering up the exposed skin on your feet and ankles too. If you’re a habitual sandals wearer, make sure to put sunscreen on before putting your feet in your shoes!

Keep your feet fungus free

Coupled with good foot hygiene, you can also prevent toenail fungus by alternating your shoes. If you suspect a fungus infected nail, visit us right away for early treatment.

Treat your feet to a pedicure

Eliminate rough, dead, winter skin and improve the appearance of your toenails with a pedicure. Do it yourself, or pamper yourself with a professional pedicure for attractive summer feet you'll be proud to show off.

The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends getting your pedicure in the morning, when salon foot baths are at their cleanest. Don’t shave your legs prior to your pedicure, even if you’re tempted to! When your legs are freshly shaven, they can have small cuts that allow bacteria to enter. Also, ensure you or the person performing your pedicure does not cut your cuticles, because they are your nail’s barrier to infection.

After the pedicure, don’t leave nail polish on all summer long. Remove it periodically to allow your nail bed to breathe, and then you’re free to swap to another festive summer color!

Prevent painful blisters

Sandals and flip-flops can lead to irritating blisters when they rub against your bare skin. Use padding or bandages to prevent and reduce friction.

Examine your flip flops

Flip flops are great for allowing your feet to breathe all summer long, but thong sandals can result in sore feet and ankles due to their lack of support. Choose styles with arch and heel support to keep feet healthy and pain-free.

Following these easy steps during the summer months can go a long way in keeping your feet looking and feeling their very best. Inspect your feet daily, and if you encounter any unusual foot problems or experience pain, contact our office for a thorough evaluation.

Is your ankle sore and swollen after a stumble off the sidewalk or a misstep during a backyard football game? You may have a sprained ankle. Madison and Stoughton, WI, podiatrist Dr. Neal Katz shares a few signs that may occur if you have a sprain.

Ankle pain

Ankle pain due to a sprained ankle may range from mild to severe. Sprains occur when the ligaments in your ankle joint stretch or tear. The amount of pain you feel depends on the severity of your injury. If you have a mild sprain, you may have only experienced pain for a few minutes after your injury. More serious sprains can cause constant pain that increases when you stand or walk.

Swelling

Is your ankle swollen and puffy? As soon as your body realizes that you have an injury, it reacts by sending white blood cells to the injured area. White blood cells not only fight infection, but also play an important role in wound healing. Because blood flow increases to your ankle as a result, your ankle begins to swell. Swelling can cause the joint to become stiff and difficult to move.

Bruising

Bruising, which often occurs along with pain and swelling, happens due to tiny tears in the blood vessels under your skin. The blood that leaks from the vessels builds up under your skin and makes the injured area look black and blue.

Popping sound

It's not unusual to notice a popping sound at the moment your hurt your ankle. The sound occurs when the ligaments stretch or tear.

Trouble walking

It's not so easy to walk when your ankle is painful and stiff. In some cases, it may be impossible to put any weight on your injured ankle. Walking or standing can be extremely difficult if your ankle joint has become unstable due to a severe sprain or a fracture.

When should I see a podiatrist?

If your ankle still hurts after a week or two, you experience severe pain immediately after your injury, or you can't put any weight on your joint, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment at our Madison or Stoughton offices. Some people benefit from walking casts or boots and crutches while their sprains heal. We may also recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles that support your ankle. Surgery may be needed if your sprain is severe and your ankle has become unstable, although most sprains can be treated without surgery.

Are you concerned about a possible sprain or other foot or ankle issue? Call podiatrist Dr. Neal Katz at (608) 241-0848 to schedule an appointment in the W. Washington Avenue or Cottage Grove Road offices in Madison, WI, or the Stoughton, WI, office.

With age, many people experience changes in their feet. This may include a change in their shape, a loss of the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet, thinner, drier skin, and brittle nails. You may even develop arthritis.

As the feet change, they naturally develop more problems. But aching feet are not a natural part of growing old, or something to be tolerated. You can do many things now to help relieve pain, improve comfort and keep the spring in your step.

Taking good care of your feet has many benefits, including increasing your comfort, limiting the possibility of additional health issues, and keeping you active and mobile. The following tips can help keep feet feeling and looking their best into the golden years:

There are literally hundreds of different foot ailments. Some are inherited, but for older people most foot conditions stem from the impact of years of wear and tear. The good news is that even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully.

Never ignore the natural changes that aging brings. Since feet are referred to as the “mirror of health,” podiatrists are often the first to identify signs of systemic diseases, such as diabetes and arthritis. Regular visits can help prevent foot problems and alleviate pain to keep you active for life.

Looking for a safe, easy and inexpensive way to stay healthy, increase your energy level and improve your figure? Start walking! Walking is one of the easiest and most popular forms of exercise, and, when done properly, it can significantly improve your health.

The most basic kind of walking for exercise, often called healthwalking, can be done almost anywhere and at any time, year around. And for individuals with a long history of inactivity or problems with obesity, walking is an excellent way to begin an exercise program.

If the Shoe Fits - Get Walking!

Footwear plays a vital role in the duration of your walking routine, and shoes that don't fit properly or that lack support can lead to foot pain or injuries, such as blisters, corns, calluses, nail fungus and plantar fasciitis. These problems can, in turn, discourage you from exercising, thus achieving the opposite of what you wanted!

Not sure which shoe will offer you the most support? Come into our office for an examination. We can help determine the best shoe for your feet based on your arch, walking experience and foot mechanics. Your shoes should be well-cushioned and stable, offering you comfort and fit that enables you to walk smoothly and without discomfort.

Keep Your Feet Healthy

To gain the most health benefit from walking, it's important to pay close attention to your feet. Trim your nails regularly, keep your feet clean and dry, and inspect your feet for signs of sores, blisters, corns, calluses or other infections. Serious foot ailments, such as bunions or hammertoes, should be checked by our office before you begin your exercise regimen.

Once you're ready to hit the road, set appropriate goals based on your overall health and walking experience. Start slow and build up your distance gradually. And don't forget to stretch in order to prevent injury and keep muscles loose.

Walking is meant to be safe, easy, and fun, but in order to do so, you must have healthy feet. Experiencing foot pain and discomfort isn't normal. Talk with a podiatrist if you encounter any problems while walking.

Every step you take is one step closer to a healthier lifestyle. So what are you waiting for? Take a stroll in the mall, walk your dog in the park, or grab a friend and go for a leisurely walk around your neighborhood. It's easy and fun, and, when done regularly, can lead to a healthier you!